ABUJA / WASHINGTON — In a major boost to international security ties, the United States government has formally thanked Nigeria for its “vital support” in the Christmas Day airstrikes that decimated terrorist enclaves in the North-West.
The operation, which targeted ISIS-linked groups like the Lakurawa in Sokoto State, marks one of the most significant joint military actions between the two nations in recent years.
The Pentagon Speaks: “Grateful for Cooperation”
U.S. Secretary of War (formerly Secretary of Defense) Pete Hegseth took to social media to confirm the success of the mission, which involved Tomahawk missiles and Reaper drones.
“The [Pentagon] is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight—on Christmas,” Hegseth stated. “More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation.”
The Nigerian Perspective: “A Joint Decision”
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the strikes were not a “unilateral” move by a foreign power. According to Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, the operation followed high-level consultations and intelligence sharing approved by President Bola Tinubu.
The Nigerian government emphasized several key points to the public:
- Intelligence-Led: Nigeria provided the local intelligence that helped US forces identify the precise locations of the terrorist camps.
- Neutralizing Threats: The goal was to weaken the Lakurawa group, which has been terrorizing rural communities and security forces in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
- Non-Religious Agenda: While US President Donald Trump framed the strikes as a defense of Christians, Nigeria’s government insists the operation was about protecting all Nigerians, regardless of their faith.
Mixed Reactions and Sovereignty
Despite the military success, the event has sparked a national conversation about Nigeria’s sovereignty. While many residents in Sokoto welcomed the news of the terrorists’ defeat, some political groups, including the ADC, have questioned why the Nigerian Air Force did not lead the strike.
However, security analysts suggest that this “cooperation” is a strategic move to leverage advanced US technology to solve a crisis that has overstretched the Nigerian military for years.
Quick Facts: The Christmas Strike
- Location: Bauni Forest, Tangaza LGA, Sokoto State.
- Technology: Over a dozen Tomahawk missiles fired from the USS Paul Ignatius.
- Target: ISIS-Sahel (Lakurawa) and ISWAP splinter cells.
- Result: “Multiple” fatalities reported among terrorist ranks; no civilian casualties confirmed.
